Community Greek Independence commemorations conclude across Australia

Young and old across Australia participated en masse this weekend in events celebrating the 201st anniversary of the Greek War of Independence.

Sydney’s main 25 March events took place on Sunday, starting with a Doxology presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios at the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation.

A memorial service followed, with official celebrations moving to the Cenotaph at Martin Place in Sydney CBD.

On the same day in Melbourne, a wreath-laying ceremony also took place at Axion Esti Monastery, Northcote, organised by the Australian Greek Ex-Servicemen’s Association.

Among those who attended were the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanouil Kakavelakis, head of the Organising Committee for the Celebration of the National Anniversary Tony Tsourdalakis, the Greek Community of Melbourne President Bill Papastergiadis, Federal MP Maria Vamvakinou and Victorian MP Kat Theophanous.

The church service conducted prior to the ceremony was presided over by Bishop Evmenios, while the day concluded with a luncheon event at the Monastery.

Commemorations at Dandenong’s St Panteleimon church were also well-attended by community members and school students, with a memorial also held on the day marking the third anniversary of the passing of Archbishop Stylianos of Australia.

Neoskosmos.com